I first met Donna Bishop on the set of a shoot I was directing; she was owner of Green Beauty, among the first in the world of online, high-end, natural make-up. She’d parlayed her passion as a make-up artist into a major entrepreneurial success, becoming a go-to beauty expert for TV and print.

These days Donna is Director of Programming for CAFA (Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards), is a board member of the Toronto Chapter of Fashion Group International, and is a mentor for the Toronto Fashion Incubator.

Donna’s one of those women who, no matter the topic, her input is thoughtful, insightful and often irreverent. A generous dose of her infectious curiosity, humour and intellect along with an impressive roster of guests has brought a refreshing depth to the topic of fashion through her new podcast Fashion Talks.

She’s a definite Boss.

WHAT IS CAFA?

It’s like the Academy Awards for the fashion industry.

WHAT’S YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH FASHION?

I love deciding what to wear everyday. It excites me.

DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE EVOLUTION

When I was younger it ran the gamut from preppy to being a rebel and trying to make my school uniform funky. I’d pair cowboy boots with my uniform kilt. Then I discovered vintage and fell in love.

Kensington Market, Toronto Photo: Marriott Traveler

FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP VINTAGE

Kensington Market, Toronto

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR FORTIES

Engaging

ADVICE FOR YOUR 39 YEAR OLD SELF?

Aging is not a measuring tool for success.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED IN YOUR FORTIES?

Before your forties you think you should have accomplished a lot of stuff. But, when you get there you realize it’s a time for beginning things. I started the Podcast in my forties and it’s one of the joys of my career.

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Fortyology Founder and Editor, Frances MacKinnon is an accomplished journalist, writer, speaker, filmmaker and branded content expert, committed to shining a light on women 35+. You'll find stories from and about inspirational women, advice from experts, and a community of positivity, possibly mixed with irony. The best part is hearing from you.